sloppy loose steering

if you missed my other thread from a few weeks ago my truck was looked at by a mechanic who told me i needed a whole new steering rack.

my symptoms match what is described here to a perfect match.
my 2nd gen wanders on the high way and requires constant steering input. with the motor off and key out i can wiggle the steering wheel about an inch or 2 in either direction.

on top of the mechanic telling me the whole steering rack needs replaced at $1500, some people sugested tie rods/tie rod ends and ive some people sugested new bushings.

I know diagnosing a issue over the internet is impossible but the above link is in reference to a 1st gen taco, does anybody know if a 2nd gen has the same type steering column that could have the same issue?

also can anybody recomend any repair shops in the baltimore/york pa area. im sure with the right tools and time this could be fixed but i dont have either of those things.

 

what problems/symptoms were you having to make you replace the intermediate steering shaft.
im really dreading dropping $1500 to get this issue fixed

 

If it's the steering rack bushings, wheelersoffroad.com sells poly bushings for the steering rack at $55.00.